Multipurpose egm/player tracking device and system

ABSTRACT

A system and method provides gaming related and player/gaming attendant related services to a plurality EGM. Each EGM has an associated multipurpose EGM/player tracking device. Each multipurpose EMG/player tracking device has first and second ports. The first port couples the respective multipurpose EGM/player tracking device to the respective EGM using a communications link. The first port of one of the multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices may utilize a different communications protocol than another one of the advance player tracking device. A server computer is coupled the multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices using a system communications protocol through system communications links. The server computer provides gaming and player/gaming attendant services to users of the EGMs.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATION APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,237 filed on Sep. 22, 2008, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/973,890, filed Sep. 20, 2007, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to electronic gaming machines (EGMs), and more particularly, to a multipurpose EGM/player tracking device and system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The growth and competition in the casino gaming market in recent years and the increasingly sophisticated and complex technology being integrated into the gaming environment, at the individual game, casino management, and auditing levels, presents both challenges and opportunities to game manufacturers, gaming establishment operators, and regulatory agencies. The technological capabilities and requirements of, for example, advanced electronic games, multi-site gaming operations, detailed player tracking, wide area progressive jackpots, and various alternatives to the use of currency and coins by players, all present a potentially huge pool of ever-changing data which can be of great value to casino operators (from a management standpoint) and to regulators from an audit/compliance standpoint.

In recent years, the popularity of video EGMs such as video and video poker EGMs has increased dramatically. Such EGMs are provided by a number of manufacturers. The growth of these types of EGMs has presented numerous opportunities to provide new and automatic services in the various areas, such as, EGM accounting, EGM monitoring, EGM progressives awards/jackpots, EGM ticketing, player tracking, player bonusing have been realized. Such services generally require information, e.g., meter information, taken directly from the electronic EGMs. This information is usually gathered and/or relayed to central/remote locations through specialized/add-on devices. These devices must communicate to the EGM using a communications protocol over a communications link which is typically dictated by the type and/or manufacturer of the EGM. It should also be noted that the communications link and/or architecture used for all EGMs at a particular site, e.g., is not necessarily the same.

One common communication protocol used to communication with electronic EGMs is the Slot Account System or (SAS) protocol. With particular reference to FIG. 3, a typical SAS implementation is shown. In this illustration, the EGMs 302, 304 are provided with corresponding slot machine interface board (SMIB) devices 306, 307 and player tracking devices 308, 309. The SMIB devices 306, 307 are physically connected to, and located within, the respective EGMs 302, 304. The player tracking devices 308, 309 are connected and communicate to the SMIBs 306,307 through either RS-232 or USB 312.

EGM accounting and monitoring data is exchanged to and from each EGM 302, 304 via the SAS protocol over respective communication links 310 to the SMIBs 306, 307 which is then communicated through RS-232 or Ethernet over respective communication links 318 to the Bank Controller 314 which communicates to the EGM Accounting & Monitoring server(s) 316.

Player tracking data is exchanged to and from the SMIBs 306, 307 then communicated over RS-232 or Ethernet over respective communications links 318 to the Bank Controller 314 which communicates to the player tracking server(s) 320.

Generally, these types of SMIBs are data pass-through or polled devices and contain little intelligence. In other words, the devices 306, 307 simply pass data back and forth between the EGMs 302, 304 and a bank controller 314 over respective second communication links 312, 318 using the SAS protocol. In most cases, the bank controller 314 contains the majority of the gaming logic and simply polls the SMIBs 306, 307 for data. The second communication links 318 may be implemented over an RS-232 or Ethernet. The bank controller 314 then relays the data back to the EGM Accounting and Monitoring server(s) 316. The player tracking devices 308, 309 interfaces with the SMIB and Player tracking server(s) 320 for player tracking related data and simply passes EGM specific data back and forth between the SMIBs 306, 307 through communication link 310 and player tracking specific data back and forth between the player tracking server(s) 320 by way of the bank controller 314.

Typically, a casino includes numerous EGMs arranged in banks. Each bank of machines has a corresponding bank controller 314 which is located remotely. One problem with this type of arrangement is that all of the EGMs 302, 304 which are connected to one bank controller 314 must use the same communications protocol. This, for example, all EGMs 302, 304 connected to the bank control 314 must utilize the SAS protocol.

The trend in gaming is to require more and more EGM and player tracking data to and from the EGMs 302, 304 and/or the SMIB devices 306, 307 and player tracking devices, 308 and 309. For example, one trend if the gaming industry is to move towards downloadable games, i.e., game software, including new games, updates, etc . . . , which is downloaded from a central server to the EGMs. Another trend is to provide live and/or streaming video or other multimedia content either directly to the EGMs or the player tracking device.

Historically utilized communication protocols, e.g., SAS, X-Series, and QCOM were not designed to handle this type or volume of data such as downloading a new game to the EGM. The Gaming Standards Association has recently released a new standardized communications protocol, the Game-to-System or G2S standard, which was designed to provide a standard communications protocol which can handle the amount and type of data required by these new applications or services. The G2S operates over an Ethernet communications link using the TCP/IP protocol. However, the G2S protocol requires data to be transmitted in an XML format.

One potential hardware architecture to implement the G2S standard is shown in FIG. 4. This architecture shows that the SMIB device 307 from FIG. 3 are removed and the EGMs 304 communications is protocol 310 is replaced with Ethernet 311. Services provided using G2S are administered using G2S servers 322. The G2S server(s) 322 communicate to the player tracking server(s) 320 through the GSA System to System (S2S) protocol to each G2S player tracking device 308 through a data link over an Ethernet network 313. For player tracking services, a separate Ethernet links between the player tracking server(s) 320 and each G2S player tracking device 308. The G2S servers 322 and the player tracking server(s) 320 are also located at a remote location. Thus, separate Ethernet links must be provided to each G2S EGM 304 (and/or G2S player tracking devices 308). As each implementation, e.g., casino, can include thousands of EGMs, the amount of connections and network cabling using such architecture is immense and costly not to mention the complexity of network administration. Another problem is that most implementations, e.g., casinos, will for the foreseeable future be a hybrid of SAS and G2S EGMs and must accommodate both SAS protocol EGMs as illustrated in FIG. 4. There are significant complexities involved in support both SAS and G2S architectures simultaneously.

Another problem is that the G2S protocol, in using an XML format is not an efficient way to communicate large amounts of response sensitive data in real-time. One potential problem is that even high speed Ethernet networks may not be able to support the bandwidth required in providing such services using the G2S protocol to G2S EGMs 304.

Another problem is that in the systems shown in FIG. 3 (and systems using similar architectures), in order to move a EGM (or other EGM) from one location, e.g., from one bank of machines to another bank of EGMs, both the old bank controller, i.e., corresponding to the bank of machines to which the machine being moved used to belong, and the new bank controller, i.e., corresponding to the bank of EGMs to which the EGM is being moved, must be reprogrammed to, respectively, remove the EGM from the old bank of EGMs and to identify the EGM in the new bank.

The present invention is aimed at one or more of the problems as set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

A system is provided gaming related services to electronic gaming machines (EGMs) through a multipurpose EGM/player tracking device.

In a first aspect of the present invention, multiple multipurpose EGM accounting, monitoring, player tracking devices may be connected to a single server or computer. The multiple EGM/player tracking devices may communicate to various game machines using different communication protocols, such as, SAS, G2S, X-Series, QCOM, GMMS and other EGM specific protocols.

In a second aspect of the present invention, multiple multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices may communicate to an associated EGM using the G2S protocol and may communicate to a remote computer or server using another communications protocol.

In a third aspect of the present invention, the system may communicate to EGMs using the G2S protocol and may communication to the remote computer or server over an Ethernet communications link in another communications protocol, i.e., not G2S. The data communicated to the remote computer or server may include data related to gaming services, including video, streaming video or other multimedia content.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a system for providing gaming related services to a first EGM and to a second EGM. The system includes first and second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device and a server computer. The first multipurpose EGM/player tracking device is associated with the first EGM. The first multipurpose EGM/player tracking device has a first port and a second port. The first port of the first multipurpose EGM/player tracking device couples the first multipurpose EGM/player tracking device to the first EGM using a first communications protocol over a first communications link. The second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device is associated with the second EGM. The second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device has a first port and a second port. The first port of the second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device couples the second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device to the second EGM using a second communications protocol over a second communications link. The first and second communication protocols are different. The server computer is coupled to the first and second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device using a system communications protocol through first and second system communications links, respectively. The server computer provides gaming services to users of the first and second EGMs through the first and second multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices, respectively.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, a system for providing gaming related services to a first EGM and to a second EGM is provided (refer to FIG. 7). The system includes first and second multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices, first and second middleware servers, and a multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server. The first multipurpose EGM/player tracking device is associated with the first EGM. The first multipurpose EGM/player tracking device has a first port and a second port. The first port of the first multipurpose EGM/player tracking device couples the first multipurpose EGM/player tracking device to the first EGM using a first communications protocol over a first communications link. The first middleware server computer is coupled to the first multipurpose EGM/player tracking device using a system communications protocol through a first system communications link. The second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device is associated with the second EGM. The second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device has a first port and a second port. The first port of the second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device couples the second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device to the second EGM using a second communications protocol over a second communications link. The first and second communication protocols are different. The second middleware server computer is coupled to the second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device using a system communications protocol through a second system communications link. The multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server computer is connected to the first and second middleware server computers. The multipurpose EGM/Player tracking services database server computer provides gaming services to users of the first and second EGMs through the first and second multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices, respectively.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, a method provides gaming related services to a first EGM and to a second EGM. The method includes the step of providing a first multipurpose EGM/player tracking device associated with the first EGM. The first multipurpose EGM/player tracking device having a first port and a second port. The first port of the first multipurpose EGM/player tracking device couples the first multipurpose EGM/player tracking device to the first EGM using a first communications protocol over a first communications link. The first multipurpose EGM/player tracking device has an associated IP address. The method includes the step of providing a first middleware server computer coupled to the first multipurpose EGM/player tracking device using a system communications protocol through a first system communications link and providing a second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device associated with the second EGM. The second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device has a first port and a second port. The first port of the second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device couples the second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device to the second EGM using a second communications protocol over a second communications link. The first and second communication protocols are different. The second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device has a second associated IP address. The method also includes the steps of providing a second middleware server computer coupled to the second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device using a system communications protocol through a second system communications link and providing a multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server computer connected to the first and second middleware server computers. The multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server computer provides gaming services to users of the first and second EGMs through the first and second advanced gaming devices, respectively. The method further includes the steps of providing a first table in the multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server computer for storing the first IP address indicating the first multipurpose EGM/player tracking device is connected to the first middleware server and providing a second table in the multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server computer for storing the second IP address indicating the second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device is connected to the second middleware server. The method further includes the steps of allowing the first EGM and the first multipurpose EGM/player tracking device to be disconnected from the first middleware server and to be connect to the second middleware server and allowing the first IP address to be deleted from the first table and stored in the second table.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is block diagram of a system for providing credit to a player of a EGM, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a EGM and multipurpose EGM/player tracking device for use with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a prior art system architecture;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary system architecture which utilizes both the SAS and the G2S protocol;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system architecture which utilizes both SAS and G2S protocols in conjunction with the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device and system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are block diagrams of the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device for use with the system architecture of FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a system for providing gaming and player tracking services to users of EGMs, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a mother-board of the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a board layout view of a daughter board of an multipurpose EGM/player tracking device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the daughter board of FIG. 9; and,

FIG. 11 is an assembly view of the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

General System Architecture and Operation

With reference to the drawings and in operation (FIG. 1), the present invention provides a system 10 and method for EGM 12 accounting, monitoring, providing other gaming related services, such as, ticking, progressives, gaming attending EGM interaction services; and providing player 24 of an EGM 12 player services, such as, player tracking, points management, Bonusing, multimedia content and entertainment services.

In one embodiment, the system 10 may be embodied or implemented via an entertaining management and monitoring system which is shown in block diagram form in FIG. 1. The entertainment and monitoring system may include many additional functions such as, real-time multi-site, EGM accounting, EGM monitoring, player tracking, cage credit and vault, sports book, Point of Sale (POS) accounting, keno accounting, bingo accounting, and table game accounting, a wide area progressive jackpot, and electronic funds transfer (EFT), as well as interfaces to other gaming and non-gaming systems. Two such systems are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/094,605, filed Mar. 30, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The entertainment and monitoring system may also track data related to the play of the EGMs 12.

As shown, the system 10 includes a plurality of EGMs 12. Machines 12 may include, but are not limited to EGMs, electronic gaming machines (such as video slot, video poker machines, or video arcade games), multi-terminal electronic gaming machines, server-based gaming machines, virtual EGMs, e.g., for online gaming, and an interface to a table management system (not shown) for table games, or other suitable devices at which a user may interact or access a user or player account. In the illustrated embodiment, eight electronic game machines (EGMs) 12A-12H are shown. However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to any number or type of machines 12. In one embodiment, the machines 12 are organized into banks (not shown), each bank containing a plurality of machines 12.

Other types of machines which may be included, such as kiosks 25, point of sale or redemption terminals 23, are indicated with reference number 12I.

The EGMs 12 are connected via a network 16 to one or more host computers 18, which are generally located at a remote or central location. The computer 18 includes computer program application(s) 20 which maintains one or more databases 22. In one embodiment, the database(s) are Oracle database(s).

The computer program application(s) 20 and databases 22 may be used to record, track, and report accounting and monitoring information regarding the EGMs 12 and players and/or gaming attendant interaction—user(s) 24 of the EGMs 12. Additionally, the computer program application(s) 20 and databases 22 may be used to maintain information related to player or player tracking accounts (see below).

In general, the machines 12 may be used by a user or player, i.e., to access their player account or services through the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 15. Examples of player servers consists of but is not limited to accessing and performing operations on (1) point and complementary point balances, (2) accessing and performing operations on awards such as, bonuses, incentives, progressives etc., (3) accessing and performing operations on saved player preferences and account information such as, PIN, default language, show/hide points, and other player and Bonusing features, For example, an EGM 12C is playable by a player 24. The player 24 may select one of the EGMs 12C to play and insert a coin, credit, coupon, and/or player tracking card (not shown) into the chosen EGM 12C. Generally, the EGMs 12C have an associated number of credits or coins required in order to play. In the case of video slot or poker games, the game is played and an award or Bonus in the form of credits or other complementary may be awarded through the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 15 to the EGM 12. In the case where the user 24 is a gaming attendant, the gaming attendant may interact with the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device to access EGM 12 services, such as, perform a fill, acknowledge a jackpot, link or associate a particular multipurpose EGM/player tracking device to EGM 12, interrogates EGM 12 meters, bill insertions and other access or perform other EGM specific gaming services.

It is important to note that the player 24 or user may utilize the user interface on the EGM/player tracking device 15 to access the EGM 12 and/or the servers 114, 118 in performing various gaming services. In other words, the user interface on the EGM/player tracking device 15 allows the player or the user to access data, information, or services available either on one of the EGM's 12 or one of the servers 114, 118.

With reference to FIG. 2, a block diagram of a suitable electronic gaming machine 12C and the associated multipurpose EGM/player tracking device is shown. The communication between the EGM and the EGM/player tracking device 8 may be one of RS232, RS485, Current Loop, Fiber, USB, Ethernet or any other low level communication link.

The EGM 12C comprises a game controller 26, or central processing unit (CPU), a coin-bill management device 28, a display processor 30, a RAM 32 as a memory device and a ROM 34 (generally provided as an EPROM). The CPU 26 is mainly composed of a microprocessor unit and performs various calculations and motion control necessary for the progress of the game. The coin-bill management device 28 detects the insertion of a coin or a bill and performs a necessary process for managing the coin and the bill. The display processor 30 interprets commands issued from the CPU 26 and displays desirable images on a display 36. The RAM 32 temporarily stores programs and data necessary for the progress of the game, and the ROM 34 stores, in advance, programs and data for controlling basic operation of the EGM 12C, such as the booting operation thereof, game code and graphics.

Input to the EGM 12C may be accomplished via mechanical switches or buttons or via a touchscreen interface (not shown). Such EGMs 12 are well known in the art and are therefore not further discussed.

The player or gaming attendant user 24 is identified via a player tracking card and/or any other method of identifying the player or gaming attendant, such as, finger print, optical recognition, etc., into multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 38 at each EGM 12 (see below). Player tracking accounts may be used, generally, to provide bonuses to a player, in addition to the award designated by, in the case of a video slot or poker machine, the EGM's 12 paytable. These bonuses may be awarded to the player 24 based a set of criteria, including, but not limited to, a) the player's play on the EGM 12C, b) the player's overall play, c) play during a predetermined period of time, and d) the player's birthday or anniversary, or e) any other definable criteria. Additionally, bonuses may be awarded on a random basis, i.e., to a randomly chosen player or randomly chosen game 12. Bonuses may also be awarded in a discretionary manner or based on other criteria, such as, purchases made at a gift shop or other affiliated location. Additionally, bonus may be award to the player 24 from any other gaming or non-gaming source, such as, Point of Service (POS), Property Management Systems (PMS), Kiosks, or any other interfaced external system.

In one embodiment, the player tracking device 38 includes a processor 40, a player identification card reader 42 and/or a numeric keypad (not show), a display 44, a sound project device 46 and other EGM monitoring and player/gaming attendant tracking interfaces 48. In one embodiment, the display 46 is a touchscreen panel and the numeric keypad (not show) is implemented thereon.

The player 24 may be identified by entry of a player tracking card into the player identification card reader 42 and/or entry of a player identification number (PIN) on the numeric key pad or touch screen panel display 46 or any other method of identifying the player or gaming attendant, such as, finger print, optical recognition, etc.. The play tracking device 38 may also be used to communicate information between the computer 18 (FIG. 1) and the corresponding EGM 12C. The multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 38 may also be used to track bonus points, i.e., incentive points or credits, downloaded from the computer 18 (FIG. 1).

System Architecture to Incorporate High Data Volume System Services

With reference to FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B, the present invention provides a system architecture 102 which is capable of handling the large data bandwidth required by evolving system services. For example, the system architecture 102 may communicate with game machines 104A-104 n through any legacy communications protocol, e.g., SAS, or superSAS, X-Series, QCOM, GMMS, as well as higher bandwidth protocols, such as G2S.

In the illustrated embodiment, each game machine 104A, 104 n has an associated multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 106A, 106 n. As discussed above, multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 106A, 106 n may includes a processor 40, a display 44 and may include an ID card reader 42 and/or numeric keypad (which may be implemented via a physical keypad or touchscreen buttons implemented on the display 44), a sound project device 46 and other EGM monitoring and player tracking interfaces 48. It should be noted that ID card reader 42, display 44, and numeric keypad are used to implement a user interface which is used to communicate data and receive inputs from users (generally, casino employees) or patrons or players. However, other types of user interfaces may be incorporated into the system architecture 102 without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Returning to FIGS. 5 and 6, each multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 106A, 106B includes a first port 108 and a second port 110. The first port 108 is used to communicate with the corresponding game machine 104A, 104 n over a communications link 112 (see below). The second port 110 is used to communicate with a middleware server 114 over a second communications link 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the second communications link 116 is an Ethernet link. Data is communicated over the second communications link 116 in data packets in a system communications protocol. Data over the system communications protocol is much more condensed than in the XML format of G2S. Thus, data, including game software in downloadable gaming systems, meter information, accounting information, progressive information, video, and the like, may all be communicated over the Ethernet connections between the middleware server 114 to the game machines 104A, 104 n through the multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices 106A, 106 n. Thus, only one set of wires or cables, e.g., an Ethernet cable, need to be provided between each multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 106A, 106 n.

Typically, the system architecture 102 will include a plurality of middleware servers 114, each having an associated plurality of game machines 104A, 104 n. The middleware servers 114 act as go-between between the associated game machines 104A, 104 n and multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices 106A, 106 n and one or more multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database servers 118 which are used to provide game services, e.g., progressive awards, player tracking services, accounting services, and the like.

The communications protocol used by each game machine 104A, 104 n, may be different even among game machines 104A, 104 n associated with the same middleware server 114.

For example, if one of the game machines 104A communicates using the SAS protocol, then the associated data link 112 is an RS-232 link and the associated multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 106A communicates with the game machines 104A using the SAS protocol over the RS-232 link. Further, if another of the game machines 104 n is a G2S device, i.e., communicates using the G2S protocol, then the associated data link 112 is an Ethernet link and the associated player tracking device 106 n communicates with the associated game machine 104 n over the Ethernet link 112 using the G2S protocol.

It should also be noted that even if the another game machine 104 n is a G2S machine and it communicates to the associated multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 106 n, the G2S protocol is not used to communicate to the middleware server 114. As discussed above, data is communicated to the middleware server over an Ethernet link in data packets in a much more condensed format.

Thus, the present invention provides a system architecture which is more flexible, e.g., EGMs which require communication using different communication protocols, e.g., SAS and/or G2S may be mixed and match in the same area or bank and associated with the same middleware. Furthermore, the present invention, provides a system architecture which may communicate with game machines which require use of a communication protocol which requires a high bandwidth, e.g., the G2S protocol without require multiple communication links from the EGMs and/or associated device back to a computer or server at a remote location.

With specific reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, an exemplary embodiment of a multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 106, according to one embodiment is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 106 includes two pc boards, a motherboard 120 and a daughterboard 122. In one aspect, the motherboard 120 is a standard, off-the shelf component, such as an Intel or AMD processor based small form factor (SFF) motherboard with a standard ETX socket 122. The motherboard 120 may run on a standard operating system, such as Microsoft Windows, Vista, Linux/BSD or Unix. The daughterboard 122 connects to the motherboard 120 via the ETX socket 122.

In one embodiment, the daughterboard 124 is a specially designed component and includes the second port 110. The second port 110 is generally an Ethernet port and is used to connect the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 106 to a computer or server, e.g., the middleware server 114.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, the first port 108 is provided on the motherboard 108. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, the first port 108 is provided on the daughterboard 108. The first port 108 is used to connect the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 106 to the associated game machine 104A, 104 n. In one embodiment, the is a dual-purpose port, which may for example by used to implement two different communication links, e.g., RS-232 and a current loop communications link.

In one embodiment, the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 106 may communicate with the game machine 104 using any communications protocol. Thus, the daughterboard 124 includes the circuitry to implement multiple communications links, including for example, RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet, current loops, fiber optics, USB etc. . . . Each daughterboard 124 includes a location where the appropriate type of port may be physically affixed to the board. Through software and with the appropriate software driver, the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 106 detects the appropriate communications protocol to communicate with the attached/associated game machine 104A, 104 n.

In another aspect of the present invention, data is communicated between the middleware server 114 and the multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices 106A, 106 n and/or game machines 104A, 104 n using the TCP/IP protocol. Thus, each multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 106A, 106 n has an Internet Protocol (IP) address. If a game machine 104A, 104 n and the associated multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 106A, 106 n are moved from one location to another, and thus, must be connected to a different middleware server 114, the IP address of the moved EGM must only be moved within the multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server 118, accomplished automatically or by a database record change.

In one aspect of the present invention, the motherboard 120 drives the display 44 through an appropriate port (not shown), such as a VGA port. Additionally, another port, e.g., another VGA port 126 may also be provided by the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 106A, 106 n, to drive an additional display (not shown). The additional display may be on the EGM 104A, 104 n, or external to the EGM or an external display. The additional display may be used, e.g., to show or play data, e.g., (without limitation) graphics, video, animations, pictures, sound, etc . . . , which may be related to a particular EGM 104A, 104 n, related to a bank or group of EGMs (such as for a Progressive Game), or for another purpose. The additional display may be a large display, e.g., a plasma or LCD display which is located a distance away from the EGMs 104A, 104 n. The additional VGA port may be provide on the motherboard, the daughterboard or other circuit board.

With particular reference to FIG. 7, a functional block diagram of an exemplary system 10 is shown. Each multipurpose EGM/player tracking device (or NAMB2) 106, performs but is not limited to the following functions: (1) receives communications from the respective electronic gaming device or machine (EGM) 12, (2) sends communications to a respective middleware server 114, (3) receives communications from the respective middleware server 114, and (4) sends communications to the respective electronic EGM 12.

Each middleware server 114 performs but is not limited to the following functions: (1) communicates with the multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices 106, and (2) communicates with the multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server 118, which in the illustrated embodiment is an Oracle multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server.

The system 10 may include multiple multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server 118 for performing various functions. For example, one multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server 118 may perform accounting functions, e.g., storing every transaction between a user or player and the gaming devices or machines 12. In addition, the multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database servers 118 performs but is not limited to the following functions: (1) receives communications from the middleware servers 118, (2) sends communications to the middleware servers 118, and (3) sends and receives communications to and from workstations 27 and kiosks 25.

In the illustrated embodiment, a NAMB2 server 130 may also be provided. The NAMB2 server 130 may be used to download software executables to each multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 106 and uses a checksum process (e.g., MD5SUM signature) to verify the software. The NAMB2 server 130 may also provide entertainment audio or video streams to each multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 106 over the communications link 116 as well as other player and gaming attendant services such as, remote help, Internet access, and non-gaming revenue services such as, reservations, valet, shopping, and others.

In one embodiment, the motherboard 120 is an ETX module having an ETX type connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the motherboard 120 has the following specifications:

-   -   Main processor: Intel Celeron M Processor ULV (600 MHz or         1.0Ghz)     -   Chipset: Intel 82855GME/82801DB, 400 MHz, Integrated Graphics     -   Main Memory: 256MB DDR266-SDRAM     -   Non-Volatile Memory: 256KB SRAM     -   LAN: 10/100 Based Ethernet (for communication to servers 118,         130), optional 2^(nd) 10/100 Based Ethernet for G2S         communication     -   Serial Port: RS232/Current-Loop/RS485/RS422 Level 1 (for SAS         communication), TTL Level x1 (for I/O Processor Communication)     -   Video: LVDS x1 (for 6/2″ Full-color LCF), Analog Video (VGA) x1         (for optional use).     -   Audio: 250 mW (Max) Spearker Out x1 (monaural)     -   MIO: PS/2 Mouse x1 (for touch panel control), PS/2 keyboard x1         (for debug)     -   Optional Interface: Mini-PCI x1, USB 2.0 x2, Primary IDE x1, 12C         x1, 12C x1, GPIO x6

The daughterboard 124 also includes a processor and, in the illustrated embodiment, has the following specifications:

-   -   I/O Process: Freescale MC9S12A64 25 MHz     -   Serial Port: TTL Level x1 (for Main Processor Communications),         RS232 Level x1 (for optional use)     -   Peripheral Interfaces: VFD, Keypad, Card Reader, Door Switch In         x4, Key Switch Out x2, Fan Monitor, Temperature Sensor     -   Optional Interface GPIO x11, GPO x4

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the daughterboard 124, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9 and 10 are top and bottom views of a board layout of the daughterboard.

The components are labeled as follows:

CN5: 12VDC power input connector

CN6: I/O connector for EGM door detections and key switch controls

CN7: Player interface connector for card reader, VFD and keypad

CN8: Player interface connector for card reader, speaker, 6.2″ full-color LCD and touch panel

CN9: RS232C SAS interface connector

CN10: Current loop SAS interface connector (CN16 is excluded, if CN10 is populated.)

CN11: 12VDC/5VDC power output connector

CN12: PS/2 keyboard connector

CN13: VGA connector

CN14: IDE connector (Option)

CN15: Secondary LAN connector (This connector is activated, if Mini-PCI LAN controller is installed.)

CN16: RS485 SAS interface connector (CN10 is excluded, if CN16 is populated.)

CF1: Compact Flash socket

LAN1: Primary LAN connector

USB1: USB connector x2 (Option)

X1-X4: ETX module connectors

J1: JTAG connector for I/O processor

J2: I2C connector (Option)

U11/C115: SuperCapacitor or rechargeable battery

LED1-4: LED indicators

J5: JTAG connector for Altera CPLD

SW1: NVRAM clear switch

FAN1: Fan connector

U1: Mini-PCI card connector

IC8: I/O processor

IC14: Altera CPLD

IC17: SRAM or MRAM for NVRAM (IC18 is excluded, if IC17 is populated.)

IC18: FeRAM for NVRAM (IC17 is excluded, if IC18 is populated.)

With particular reference to FIG. 11, an assembly view of the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 38, 106 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 38, 106 includes a housing base 140 and an access plate 144. Two cooling fans 152 are mounted to the house base 140. The daughterboard 124 is mounted to the housing base 140 by posts and fasteners in a conventional manner. The motherboard 120 is connected to the daughterboard 124 by the ETX connector and fastened into place. A memory module 146 is inserted into a memory slot on the motherboard 120. An ETX heat sink with a fan 148 is coupled to the motherboard 120 in a conventional manner. A cover 150 is mounted to the housing base 140.

Generally, the system 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1 is a (casino) in-house EGM/player tracking monitoring system which provides, inter alia, the following gaming services: data gathering, report generating, player tracking, player promotion, and cashless gaming functions, such as ticket-in ticket-out (TITO). All data collected from the EGMs or devices 12 such as meters, security status, ticket transactions, and player & attendant interaction activities are transmitted via the TCP/IP to a middleware server 114 and from there to a multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server 118, where it is stored. The information stored on the multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server 118 can be accessed via the front-end user interface of a workstation 27 for payout verification, EGM monitoring and maintenance, player tracking, reporting, accounting and marketing. The system 10 may also be able to stream and/or download multimedia files and videos from a true-time server, e.g., the NAMB 2 server 130 to the player tracking LCD display 44. The NAMB 2 server 130 may be used to verify and download the software which runs on the multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices 38,106.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device software is stored on board the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device 106 on a compact flash memory module. An auto-update feature for the software may be enabled or disabled. However, once the software is updated, a checksum algorithm is run to ensure the validity, including the correct version, of the software. Additionally, the checksum algorithm remains active for a set period of time, e.g., 30 minutes, after successful download and re-run during or at the end of this period.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. 

1-26. (canceled)
 27. A system for providing gaming related services to a plurality of gaming machines, comprising: a server computer for providing gaming services to at least one of the plurality of gaming machines; and at least one multipurpose EGM/player tracking device coupled to the server computer and to the at least one gaming machine, the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device configured to communicate with the at least one of the gaming machines using an EGM communications protocol and to communicate with the server computer using a system communications protocol that is different than the EGM communications protocol.
 28. A system in accordance with claim 27, further comprising a plurality of multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices coupled to the server computer, each of the multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices is coupled to a corresponding gaming machine.
 29. A system in accordance with claim 27, further comprising: an EGM communications link coupled between the at least one multipurpose EGM/player tracking device and the at least one of the gaming machines; and a system communications link coupled between the server computer and the at least one multipurpose EGM/player tracking device.
 30. A system in accordance with claim 29, wherein the EGM communications link includes at least one of RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet, current loop, fiber optic, USB.
 31. A system in accordance with claim 29, wherein the system communications link includes Ethernet.
 32. A system in accordance with claim 29, wherein the at least one multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices includes a first communications port and a second communications port, the first communications port adapted to be coupled to the corresponding gaming machine with the EGM communications link and the second communications port adapted to be coupled to the server computer with the systems communications link.
 33. A system in accordance with claim 32, wherein the first port implements one of the following types of communication ports: RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet, current loop, fiber optic, USB.
 34. A system in accordance with claim 33, wherein the at least one multipurpose EGM/player tracking device includes a plurality of first ports, each of the plurality of first ports is adapted to implement a different type of communication port.
 35. A system in accordance with claim 27, wherein the EGM communications protocol is at least one of SAS, superSAS, G2S, X-Series and QCOM.
 36. A system in accordance with claim 27, wherein the system communications protocol is TCP/IP.
 37. A system in accordance with claim 27, wherein the server computer includes a multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server, the system further comprises a plurality of middleware servers coupled to the multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server, each of the plurality of middleware servers adapted to be coupled to the at least one multipurpose EGM/player tracking device for providing gaming services from the multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server to the at least one multipurpose EGM/player tracking device.
 38. A system in accordance with claim 37, wherein the at least one multipurpose EGM/player tracking device includes an associated unique identifier, the multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server has a first table associated with a first middleware server and a second table associated with a second middleware server, the unique identifier of the at least one multipurpose EGM/player tracking device being stored within one of the first table and the second table to enable the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device and the corresponding gaming machine to be disconnected from the first middleware server and to be connected to the second middleware server by transferring the associated unique identifier from the first table to the second table.
 39. A system in accordance with claim 38, wherein the unique identifier includes an IP address.
 40. A system for providing gaming related services to a plurality of gaming machines, comprising: a server computer for providing gaming services to each of the plurality of gaming machines; a first multipurpose EGM/player tracking device coupled to the server computer and to a first one of the plurality of gaming machines; and a second multipurpose EGM/player tracking device coupled to the server computer and a second one of the plurality of gaming machines.
 41. A system in accordance with claim 40, wherein each of the first one and the second one of the multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices are configured to communicate with the first one and the second one of the plurality of gaming machines, respectively, using an EGM communications protocol and to communicate with the server computer using a system communications protocol that is different than the EGM communications protocol.
 42. A system in accordance with claim 41, wherein the first one of the multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices is configured to communicate with the first gaming machine using a first EGM communications protocol and the second one of the multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices is configured to communicate with the second gaming machine using a second EGM communications protocol that is different than the first EGM communications protocol.
 43. A system in accordance with claim 42, wherein the first EGM communications protocol is at least one of SAS, superSAS, G2S, X-Series and QCOM and the second EGM communications protocol is a different one of SAS, superSAS, G2S, X-Series and QCOM.
 44. A system in accordance with claim 42, wherein the first one and the second one of the multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices each include a first communications port and a second communications port, the first communications port adapted to be coupled to a corresponding gaming machine and the second communications port adapted to be coupled to the server computer.
 45. A system in accordance with claim 44, wherein the first port implements one of the following types of communication ports: RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet, current loop, fiber optic, USB.
 46. A system in accordance with claim 42, wherein the server computer includes a multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server, the system further comprises a plurality of middleware servers coupled to the multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server, each one of the plurality of middleware servers adapted to be coupled to the first and second multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices.
 47. A system in accordance with claim 46, wherein the first one and the second one of the multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices each include an associated unique identifier, the multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server has a first table associated with a first middleware server and a second table associated with a second middleware server, the unique identifier of each of the first one and the second one of the multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices being stored within one of the first and second tables to enable the first one and the second one of the multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices and the corresponding gaming machines to be disconnected from the first middleware server and to be connected to the second middleware server by transferring the corresponding unique identifier from the first table to the second table.
 48. A system in accordance with claim 47, wherein the unique identifier includes an IP address.
 49. A method of providing gaming services to a plurality of gaming machines, comprising the steps of: providing a server computer for providing gaming services to at least one of the plurality of gaming machines; providing at least one multipurpose EGM/player tracking device being coupled to the server computer and to the at least one of the plurality of gaming machines; transmitting data indicative of the gaming services between the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device and the server computer using a system communications protocol; and transmitting data indicative of the gaming services between the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device and the at least one of the gaming machines using an EGM communications protocol that is different than the system communications protocol.
 50. A method in accordance with claim 49, further comprising the steps of: providing an EGM communications link being coupled between the at least one multipurpose EGM/player tracking device and the corresponding gaming machine; and providing a system communications link being coupled between the server computer and the at least one multipurpose EGM/player tracking device.
 51. A method in accordance with claim 50, wherein the EGM communications link includes at least one of RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet, current loop, fiber optic, USB.
 52. A method in accordance with claim 50, wherein the system communications link includes Ethernet.
 53. A method in accordance with claim 49, wherein the EGM communications protocol is at least one of SAS, superSAS, G2S, X-Series and QCOM.
 54. A method in accordance with claim 49, further comprising the steps of: providing the server computer including a multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server; and providing a plurality of middleware servers being coupled to the multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server, each one of the plurality of middleware servers adapted to be coupled to the at least one multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices for providing gaming services from the multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server to the at least one multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices.
 55. A method in accordance with claim 54, further comprising the steps of: assigning a unique identifier associated with the at least one multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices; generating, in the multipurpose EGM/player tracking services database server, a first table associated with a first middleware server and a second table associated with a second middleware server, the IP address of the at least one multipurpose EGM/player tracking device being stored within one of the first and second tables; allowing the multipurpose EGM/player tracking device and the corresponding gaming machine to be disconnected from the first middleware server and to be connected to the second middleware server; and responsively transferring the corresponding unique identifier from the one of the first and second tables to the other table. 